Browse the top events, activities and things to do in Des Moines and Central Iowa – including festivals, music, concerts, theater, arts, and drinks.
Note to readers: Some of the events listed in this Things to Do calendar may be postponed, rescheduled or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Be sure to call ahead to the venue before making plans to attend. Saturdays through October 30 Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market The modified in-person Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market will run each Saturday May through October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The scaled-back market will focus on providing only fresh produce and farm and artisan packaged food from local vendors to the community in a safe, socially distanced way. Approximately 110 vendors will be set up each Saturday. Other vendors will be selling products online at dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/saturday-market/.7 a.m.-noon. Free admission. Through May 31 Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival Don’t miss Blank Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Festival presented by MidAmerican Energy, where you will see more than 35 larger-than-life illuminated animal-shaped Asian lanterns designed and made by artisans. The festival will run nightly Wednesday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day.7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, or a four-pack of tickets for $72. Discounts are available for members. Purchase tickets at blankparkzoo.com.7401 SW 9th St. May 11 AVID – Author Ibi Zoboi Ibi Zoboi was born in Haiti and holds an MFA in Writing for children and young adults. Her novel “American Street” was a National Book Award finalist. “Pride,” another novel, is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Hear her speak at the Central Library – Des Moines Public Library,1000 Grand Ave.7 p.m. Free admission. Registration is required at dmpl.org/ibi-zoboi. TEDxDes Moines 2021 – Through a Different Lens Hear some of the best thought leaders in the area sharing their ideas born out of the unique perspective that each diverse individual in this community is known for.8 a.m.-6 p.m. Franklin Junior High,4801 Franklin Ave. Tickets are $100. Register at tedxdesmoines.org/. May 13 10th Annual Camping the Night Away Enjoy a casual evening of fun with food, cocktails, a live and silent auction, raffles, games and so much more. Your registration and donations will help support Children’s Cancer Connection.5:30-9:30 p.m. The River Center,340 SW 3rd St. $50 adults, $10 virtual, $25 with virtual snack pack. Sign up for the different ticket options at secure.qgiv.com/event/ctna2021/. Fantaisie en Francais The Des Moines Symphony performs its final livestreamed concert in its “Live from the Temple” series with “Fantaisie en Francais.” The concert begins with Marianna Martines’ “Sinfonia in C Major,” followed by Grieg’s Baroque-inspired “Holberg Suite.” Principal Flutist James Blanchard is the featured soloist in “Gluck’s Dance of the Blessed Spirits” and Faure’s “Fantaisie.” The concert concludes with William Grant Still’s “Danzas de Panama” and Mozart’s “Paris Symphony.” Streaming concert passes are $20 per household at dmsymphony.org. May 13-14 CelebrAsian Comedy Showcase Teehee’s Comedy Club is teaming up with Iowa Asian Alliance in honor of AAPI for a CelebrAsian Comedy Showcase. Hear some of the best Asian comedians each night. On May 13, Sook’s Korean Food Truck will be located outside at 6 p.m. Comedy will start at 8 p.m., with an after party with DJ Fuzon Unlimited. On May 14, doors open at 5:30 p.m. with food catered by Egg King. Food must be preordered at teeheescomedy.com. The early show starts at 7 p.m. On May 14, the late show begins at 9:30 p.m., with an after party with DJ Pri yon Joni. Tickets for the comedy showcase are $20.1433 Walnut St. May 14-October 8 Fridays at the Farm Head to Middlebrook Farm Friday nights for a farmers market, plus live music and food trucks. A Wine Wagon will also be available with wine and beer selections. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair or sit at one of the picnic tables.4:30-7:30 p.m.4300 Cumming Ave., Cumming. Check out the live music lineup at middlebrookfarm.com. May 14-16 Des Moines Renaissance Faire 2021 Attend the oldest Renaissance Faire in Des Moines and “celebrate the end of the plague.” See more than 100 stage shows by unique touring performers, as well as more than 200 costumed characters, throughout the weekend. Add to that a new faerie realm, a “Romeo & Juliet” play, outdoor living history museums, games of skill, artisans, treasure hunts and much more. This family-friendly event takes place at Putt Masters Park,2977 NW 66th Ave.10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $13 adults, $6 kids. Learn more at dmrenfaire.com. May 15 Fight for Air Climb The Fight for Air Climb will take place at Principal Park, with the option of participating virtually. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. Space is limited for the Stadium Climb at Principal Park. Register at FightForAirClimb.com/DesMoines. May 15-16 Spring Fling: Gathering of Clans This Renaissance Faire features more Celtic music, more Celtic dancing, more Guinness and more highland games than you can shake a shillelagh at. Adults can enjoy the Renaissance After Dark after party.10 a.m.-7 p.m.4051 Dean Ave. $19 adults, $8 ages 4-12. Learn more at sleepyhollowrenfaire.com/springfling. Polk County Master Gardeners Plant Sale & More Shop a large variety of perennials, including ornamental grasses, daylilies, hostas, irises, coral bells, sedum, as well as gardening tools, books and more. Cash or check preferred.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Polk County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden,92nd and Dewey Gibbs, Urbandale.
